SneakPick peeks into Cinemalaya 2013

SneakPick Indie Films and Stage Plays Philippines attended the opening ceremonies of Cinemalaya 2013. Now on its 9th year with a theme Synergy of the Senses, Cinemalaya remains firm in its commitment "to discover, encourage and honor cinematic works of Filipino filmmakers that boldy articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity."

Running up to 04 August 2013 at the CCP, Trinoma, Greenbelt 3 and Alabang Town Center, film enthusiasts could feast on 25 new digital films (5 director's showcase, 10 full-length and 10 short films). 

Here's a SneakPick into the Shorts: 

1. Bakaw by Ron Segismundo

Synopsis: "When a child has no choice but to work. We follow a day in the life of a kid who steals at the Navotas fish port."

Main Cast: Jaypee Asuncion, Salvador Villabrille, Angelica Salanatin, Angelo Rosento 

Take a peek, here's the Trailer

2. Katapusang Labok by Aiess Athina E. Alonso

Synopsis: "In a rural seaside town located north of Cebu, fisher folks face the harsh reality of environmental conditions caused by human abuse. 

Randy, a fisherman, leaves the sea and turns to religion and cockfighting. Then a fellow fisherman invites him to join the fight against coral harvesting. Randy is caught between his devotion and the struggle of the fisher folk."

Main Cast:  Nicolo Manreal, Iva Zaldarriaga, Dulcita Siroy

Take a peek, here's the Trailer

3. Missing by Zig Dulay

Synopsis: "On the eve of his birthday, Makuy goes home from an exposure trip. After witnessing the squabble of his parents, he leaves home to search for Carl and to celebrate with him instead. On his way to find his partner, a gripping truth unfolds. Makuy is one of the increasing numbers of victims of enforced disappearances in the country. He is one of those imprisoned in a society oblivious of justice and truth. "

Main Cast: Joeffrey Javier, Mark Luz, Upeng Fernandez, Alex Tiglao 

Take a peek, here's the Trailer.  

4. Onang by JE Tiglao

Synopsis: "A 12-year-old girl named Onang found herself at the doorstep of reaching her dreams - to become a performer. Onang, who lived all her life with her widowed father Tatang at the mountain top in Ilocos  Sur, joined a choir thta would represent their town at a competition in Manila. Despite her father's disapproval, she went on and left for the city. With hopes of realizing her dreams and living a new life, Onang learned that staying was more impossible than leaving."   

Main Cast: Yssa Ramos, Ronnie Lazaro  

Take a peek, here's the Trailer. 

5. Para kay Ama by Relyn Angkuan Tan

Synopsis: "The film tells of Hannah, a Chinese-Filipino girl who discovers that she has a half-brother and meets him for the first time on the last day of her father's wake."

Main Cast: Che Ramos, Shamaine Buencamino, Dexter Doria, Lito Legaspi, Emerson Lee 

Take a peek, here's the Trailer. 

6. Pukpok by Joaquin Pantaleon, Stephan Domingo, Immanuel Canicosa 

Synopsis: "Mac-Mac stands on the threshold of manhood. He must hurdle a case characterized by excessive blood, superstitions, and an old man with failing eyesight." 

Main Cast: Jomari "Aki" Sioco, Norman Loteria, Nelwin Buaron, Oliver Torre, Noriebelle Lagunay, Grace Villablanca, Redjie Jimenez, Timothy Obra, Antonio Canicosa III, Ivam Dioso

Take a peek, here's the Trailer.

7. Sa Wakas by Nica Santiago 

Synopsis: "The film tells the story of a father who rushes his daughter to find a health center that would admit her as she loses so much blood. Will they make it or would the life of young Kat-Kat be put to waste? It is a paramount reflection of a father-daughter bond tested by cultural, political and religious hypocrisy." 

Main Cast: Raul Morit, Divie Aucina, Meann Espinosa 

Take a peek, here's the Trailer. 

8. Taya by Adi Bontuyan

Synopsis: "12 year-old Junjun finds himself running around his new found home, with children who taught him various Filipino games. Unaware of the impending relocation plans set to destroy their new dwelling, Junjun continues to learn and play Bangsak, Bente Uno and other local games with his friends. He soon discovers this demolition during a series of games that briefly halts their play. Set against the backdrop of a slum area in Quezon City, Junjun and his friends return to their game -- with or without a house to come home to. Through play and imagination, the film highlights how traditional Filipio games reflect the realities and disparities of our society." 

Main Cast: Luis Amodan, Sherleen Jan Surian, Michael Bonapos, Alvin Salipo, Elvis J. Sabellano, Mark Asi Villanueva, Billy Carosa, Elora Espano, Roger Cruz, Jan Pablo, Ron Conise, Mike Enteria, Alexandra Villanueva, John Sacnanas, Christian Renosa, Myrna Lacdao, Abby Bergantin, Edna Malibago, Sally Suarez, Imelda Bagonoc, Vevencia Padre, Joy Marabag

Take a peek, here's the Trailer. 

9. The Houseband's Wife by Paolo O' Hara

Synopsis: "Husband Tonyo and wife Isa, struggling for a better life, were separated when she was forced to work abroad. Tonyo stayed home to take care of the household and their three children.

The family managed to keep in touch through Skype, an Internet-based video call system, where they could go on with their lives as if she was never out of the country. She would see the children to school, check on his husband’s errands and one day, even caught his husband keeping someone else’s “bra” hanging in their closet.

Enraged, the wife vowed she would do the same--sleep with another man--even before hearing the husband’s explanation. After admitting the act to his husband, she discovered that he didn’t cheat after all. Tonyo sidelines in some drag show and uses the bra as costume. Angry and dismayed, Tonyo, vowed to retaliate--sleep with another woman."
  
Main Cast:  Diana Alferez, Max Celada, Gianna Lamadrid, Renoa Lamadrid, Janielle Anne Ponce, Paolo O’Hara

Take a peek, here's the Trailer 

 What Cinemalaya short do you intend to watch? Share your pick.